---
title: Free Claude API Key to Get Started
description: "Create a Claude API key with Google or GitHub and get $10 of Claude usage at official API prices — no card required, no Anthropic account, instant access."
url: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn/free-claude-api-key
language: en
---

# Get a free Claude API key to start

Create your account with Google or GitHub to receive $10 of Claude usage at official API prices and make real calls before spending anything. Email and password accounts do not receive the bonus.

## What 'free' includes

- A working API key across all supported Claude models.
- A one-time $10 welcome bonus for new Google/GitHub accounts, no card required.
- Enough headroom to wire up your tools and run genuine requests.

When you are ready for more, top up any whole-dollar amount and your discount kicks in automatically.

## How to claim it

Choose Google or GitHub when creating the account. Registering with email and password creates a usable account but does not grant the welcome bonus.

1. Create a free account and open the dashboard — no approval or waitlist.
2. Generate one API key (it looks like sk-pool-…). The same key works across every supported Claude model.
3. Point any Anthropic-compatible tool at https://api.apitoken.sale and send requests to /v1/messages with the x-api-key header.

## Is the Claude API free forever?

The included $10 is a free start, not an unlimited free tier. After it, you pay only for the tokens you use — there is no subscription and no monthly minimum, and your prepaid balance never expires.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the free usage real API access?

Yes. The $10 Google/GitHub welcome bonus runs against the same Claude models and endpoints as paid balance.

### Do I need a card to start?

No card is required. Create the account with Google or GitHub to receive the included $10 of usage.

### Do I need a credit card for a free Claude API key?

No. Create the account with Google or GitHub to receive the included $10 of official-price Claude usage without a card.

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Get a key: https://apitoken.sale/register
More guides: https://apitoken.sale/docs/learn